Status Indicators
- BANNED. Schedule I controlled substance since February 1, 2016
- Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine both listed
- Possession, sale, and distribution all illegal statewide
- Arkansas Senate passed a repeal bill in April 2025, awaiting further action
At a Glance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Banned |
| Age Limit | N/A |
| Regulated | No |
| Controlled Substance | Yes (Schedule I) |
| Last Policy Change | February 1, 2016 (Schedule I effective) |
Understanding Federal vs. State Law
Kratom is federally unscheduled. Arkansas, however, classified kratom alkaloids as Schedule I under state law in 2016. Federal legality offers no protection within Arkansas. State law treats kratom the same as other Schedule I substances for prosecution purposes.
KCPA Section
No KCPA has been enacted in Arkansas. The state opted for prohibition. A Senate bill to lift the ban passed the Arkansas Senate in April 2025, marking the first serious legislative move toward decriminalization in nearly a decade. Final enactment status is pending.
Legislative Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 1, 2016 | Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine added to Arkansas Schedule I, effective statewide |
| April 7, 2025 | Arkansas Senate passes a bill to lift the kratom ban (status pending in House and Governor) |
Penalties
Possession of a Schedule I substance in Arkansas is a felony. Penalty severity scales with quantity and intent under Arkansas Code Title 5, Chapter 64. First-offense possession of small amounts can be charged as a Class D felony with potential prison time and fines.
Buying & Shipping to Arkansas
Do not ship kratom to an Arkansas address while the Schedule I classification remains in effect. Reputable vendors block Arkansas at checkout. Receiving kratom in Arkansas exposes the recipient to felony possession penalties.
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Q: Is kratom legal in Arkansas?
A: No. Arkansas classified mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine as Schedule I controlled substances effective February 1, 2016. The ban remains in place pending any 2025 repeal effort that becomes law.
Q: When did Arkansas ban kratom?
A: February 1, 2016. The Arkansas State Board of Health and the legislature classified the alkaloids as Schedule I.
Q: Is there any active effort to legalize kratom in Arkansas?
A: Yes. The Arkansas Senate passed a bill on April 7, 2025 to lift the ban. The bill needs House passage and the Governor’s signature to take effect.
Q: Can I drive through Arkansas with kratom?
A: No. Possession in any Arkansas county is a felony. Travelers on I-30, I-40, or I-55 should not transit Arkansas with kratom.
Q: Can I fly into Arkansas with kratom?
A: No. Little Rock National Airport falls under Arkansas state jurisdiction. Arriving with kratom exposes the traveler to state penalties.
Sources
- www.congress.gov/crs-product/LSB11082, Congressional Research Service report on state-level kratom regulation, includes Arkansas Schedule I classification
- arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2025/04/07/senate-passes-bill-to-lift-arkansass-ban-on-kratom, Arkansas Times, April 7, 2025, on the Senate vote to repeal the ban
- simplebotanical.com/2026/01/28/is-kratom-legal-in-arkansas/, Summary of Arkansas kratom law and 2026 status
- legislativeanalysis.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kratom-Summary-of-State-Laws.pdf, Legislative Analysis Public Policy Association, “KRATOM, SUMMARY OF STATE LAWS” (April 2025), confirms Arkansas Schedule I classification
- wi-doc.com/is-kratom-legal-in-arkansas-details/, Penalty details under Arkansas Code
